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Europe's largest low cost airline, Ryanair, will enter the Bosnian market this year by introducing flights to Banja Luka. It comes following protracted talks with the government of the Entity of Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The carrier will introduce two weekly services from Charleroi Airport in Belgium, each Monday and Friday, starting October 29, as well as from Memmingen in Germany from October 30, each Tuesday and Saturday. The Prime Minister of the entity, Željka Cvijanović, has said that "several additional destinations will also be launched" by the airline in the coming period. Tickets for the new routes are already available for purchase through the carrier's website.
Commenting on the new route, Ryanair’s Sales and Marketing Executive for Belgium, Helene Begasse, said, “We are pleased to announce a new Brussels Charleroi to Banja Luka route commencing this November. This new route marks Ryanair's entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina, and wi…

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Serbia seeks more long haul flights

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The Serbian government is working towards the establishment of several long haul flights from Belgrade Airport, the country's Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vučić, said at a Business Forum on Wednesday. Mr Vučić noted the move is in an attempt to boost the number of visitors to both the capital and the country as a whole. According to the PM, the first of these new long haul services will be between Beijing and Belgrade. Flight details, including the operating airline, are expected to be revealed upon the return of the Serbian President from China. His visit is slated for March 30 and 31, with the announcement tipped to be made prior to the country's presidential elections on April 2. So far, both Hainan Airlines and Air China have expressed interest in the service.

Serbia has seen a rise in tourists from countries such as Turkey, Israel and Greece, but has struggled to lure visitors from far-away markets, and has now put a greater focus on Asia. Late last year, Japan's national carrier, All Nippon Airways (ANA), expressed interest in operating charters to Belgrade. The airline is no stranger to the region and has been running leisure services to both Slovenia and Croatia for several years. The government has also said it is working towards establishing flights between Shanghai and Belgrade, in addition to the planned Beijing service. Mr Vučić noted that 2.5 million tourists visited Serbia in 2016 and plans have been made for the figure to double by 2019.

Air Serbia recently said it had no plans to order additional wide-body aircraft to join its sole Airbus A330-200 jet as part of its strategic five-year plan. However, the carrier has reaffirmed its commitment to maintain long haul flights. It is currently the only airline operating long haul services from the country. Late last year, Air Serbia looked into the possibility of introducing charter flights to far-off destinations over the winter season with its A330 jet. The carrier explored the idea in partnership with the National Association of Travel Agencies of Serbia. According to the Association, tour operators were interested in long haul charter flights to Thailand and Cuba during the winter months, as there is sufficient demand for those markets. However, the talks came too late into the season for any such service to be operated. The Serbian government has inked a number of Air Service Agreements and Memorandums over the past year with countries which could be of interest for potential long haul charter operations including the Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka. These agreements set the legal framework for air operations between the two sides.

"We have already considered flights to Chicago and Toronto and these services could be introduced in two to three years. First off, the New York route must become functional. We don't want to make a decision that would set Air Serbia back", Mr Hogan said.

Winter long haul charters sounds interesting. But the price will be over the top, if as comparison we use summer short haul charters. I thinks for east Asia there is better offer and lower prices from regular airlines, but for Cuba and Caribbean it would be interesting to see if there is enough demand.

Never-the-less it's always better to have options so that people can choose what to use - charters or regular airlines.

Because they are nationals of the country they now belong. It is not like if my grandfather emigrated to Australia, now I am considered Serbian or Croatian. I am Australian (of serbian or croatian origin). Can you imagine if all the Italians from USA would be considered Italians and not Americans of more or less italian origin?

Nationality is something that is part of your identity and is personal. If my parents are serbian and I was born in France, I could perfectly consider myself as being French, because my culture, school, friends are French too. And when I fly to Croatia or Serbia I will show my french passport and will be counted as French.

What are you talking about? You are still calling them diaspora even if they don't have anything to do with their grandpa's countries of origin? They are not staying at their relatives places, cause they don't know them. Of course, some of them yes, but not ALL of them.

I'm talking about the fact that the number of such instances is not that great, to warrant the idea that al tourists to Serbia are 3rd generation diaspora Serbs with no lodging in Belgrade. Let's just accept the fact that Serbian tourism, however small the numbers are in comparison to some big players in the region, is year-on-year percentage wise booming.

On the contrary, the shaming was done by the first comment, which was provocative. As this is an ex-YU blog, we are discussing ex-YU airlines. Of which the only one with intercontinental flights is JU. Whether that be part of a 1, 3 or 150 year plan, it has currently got a single long-haul flight, but a long-haul flight nonetheless. And that is exactly what it is called. A long-haul flight.

What about Tehran,Astana...is problem with a number of planes or somewhere else.I think we should connect BEG with Tbilisi,Baku,and maybe some cities in Russian Federation.and one question out of theme,i heared some rumors that emirates will start BEG-DBX in september,and FlyDubai will leave the game.

Serbian Tourism Organisation has said they are finalizing talks about charters from Tehran this year. As for the rest, Air Serbia did say they see potential in central asia once the neos start arriving although I think there are bigger priority markets to cover.

Why Astana, Tbilisi, Baku, Tehran??? What for? The only one of these which makes any sense is Baku, but they're already more than well connected with the west and what makes you think that Azerbaijani people would travel to Serbia, regularly and in sufficient numbers. Even for Croatia that doesn't make sense.

What business model? Who would fly to or through Serbia from those countries. And why? Business people? Is there so much interest for foreign investment from Central Asia. And Iran might care for Germany and France, which I kinda think they can afford direct flights. But...of course, I forgot that Belgrade will become new Dubai by 2030 when you enter the EU.

People - let's face it. Market conditions are simply not making the necessary cut. Croatia is having hard time in establishing direct long haul flights, let alone Serbia. Croatia is visited by 14 mil foreigners, out of which several million come from outside E.U. Serbia ? Much, much smaller tourism than Croatia. Tourism aside, the economy is a bit weaker than Croatian economy too. Sorry, don't take this the wrong way, as I don't intend to bash Belgrade, Serbia nor Air Serbia...but come on - a reality check please !

I agree with you that is very difficult and in order for any of these flights to happen (in Serbia at least) it needs to be on a political, state sponsored level, which is what we will see with the China flights. I don't think that is bad like many people believe.

In Croatia I think that despite the big tourism industry you also need more state support to get long hauls and (as an outsider) I think your minister for tourism is doing quite a good job and gets this and is lobbying hard for more of these flights.

I agree with the original post. One thing working for Serbia though is the visa waiver regime with China. Do you know when Turkish tourists became the number 1 foreigners in Belgrade? Since visas were removed.

I'm so tired of this superiority complex posts about Croatian tourism. At least the Serbian politicians are working on bringing in new tourists. The airlink might be political. But the tourist that come via it are not party members. They are real cash-wielding tourists. And as long as they come, the airlink, political or not, is warranted. Serbia is not some medieval backwater. there's plenty to do and see. There's enough tourist for both tourist mecca of Croatia and upcoming alternative tourist destination of Serbia. Let's stop being condescending. Each country is beautiful in its own right.

You know what Petar, you are absolutely right in all but one thing - if you're underdeveloped, if you're trying to catch up, you don't sit on your hands but rather fight and try to perform better.

This is one of those things. For example, when foreign companies are looking at expanding their businesses in a region, first they look for a HQ - BEG is trying hard to be that by establishing direct air links with key markets. Why is that important? Because direct flights to the region AND to global cities matter for someone who's going to be shuttling back and forth each week.

Maybe it will not work because some other preconditions are not there (and that's a big if). But it sure as hell is not if they don't try.

Regarding tourism, sure, Croatia has not only the coast, but the long experience in hospitality industry and potential to make "something out of nothing" in the best possible meaning of the phrase - look at ZAG becoming the advent destination in Europe. Serbia is waaaay behind there, and obviously, there is no chance it will ever be close. But that is exactly why an increase in number of tourists that would be nothing for HR would actually go far in Serbia, helping the national airline - without fear of big boys in charter business and other airlines stepping in and taking all the cream, as they easily do vs. OU in Croatia.

Guys, there's sufficient slices of cake for everyone to eat. Each to their own, and lets wish everyone well in increased tourist numbers - this time more Chinese tourists in Serbia. What's good for the region is good for all of us.

I don't think this is a question of any superiority of Croatian Tourism vs Serbian one. The facts are that Croatia attracts a lot more tourists then Serbia and for obvious reasons!This does not mean that Serbia should not develop its own tourism brand or development, i.e., tourist products which it can sell and which makes it unique in relationship with its neighbors. Could it be the spas, mountains, skiing old monasteries, Belgrade river nightlife, etc? What makes those different from lets say Bulgaria, Romania, Macedonia?

There's two very interesting tourism routes that I came across recently for Serbia. One is the "Route of roman Emperors" which covers the rich remains of the Roman Empire in Serbia (e.g. Sirmium, Singidunim, Felix Romuliana, Naissus, Iustinina Prima, as well as the world-famous Tabula Traiana. The second one is the Danubian fortresses of Serbia - Bac, Petrovaradin, Kalemegdan, Smederevo, Ram, Golubac, Fetislam. These are good starting points. Serbia is also renowned for its spa's, and with these soon to be privatized, more is to follow. Serbia also has some pretty good and well-priced skiing resorts, for winter.

Correction, Croatia had well over 16.5 million tourists last year. With the additional expansion in new hotels coming online, and the positive double digit growth we already see in advanced bookings Croatia should surpass 18 million tourists this year, and 20 million tourists next year.

And? France had close to 100 million tourists last year. Spain over 70 million. Thailand 32 million. Italy 55 million. Greece 25 million. Even far flung places like South Africa and Argentina, have more annual tourists than Croatia. So good for you. You are some kind of a regional tourism leader. But in the grater aspect of things, Croatia is small fry compared to big players.

As for comment 9:02pm, your envy is seeping through your pores. From the entire comment, you clung onto one small piece of information to spew tour venom. What was discussed there is quite a solid starting point for those tourists who are tired of overcrowded beaches, double standards for prices for foreigners vs locals, and commercialisation of destinations, where Potemkin villages are created to lure their dollars, euros and pounds. rhose that want to explore something other than tired old beaten path destinations, are drawn to Roman ruins and old fortresses on the Danube. You don't need sea to be a tourist Mecca. Just ask Czech Republic and Austria, who are ahead of Croatia as well, in terms of annual tourists.

I saw the brochures for Chinese tourists that are currently being made by the Tourism office. All include visits to Montenegro. Montenegro also eased visa regulations for Chinese around 2 months ago. They told they plan to include Bosnia as well but the guys over there are late in joining the project. So I think they know that this is the only way they can get visitors from these further away markets.

Yep - BEG definitely needs a lot more long haul flying. JU cant even fill a 3 times a week flight to JFK at rock bottom prices. I'm deinately thinking China, Australia, Chicago and Toronto. A few charter flights to Cuba and Thailand is a must. Also thinking Auckland and possibly Dar Es Salaam. Best not forget Gaborone in Botswana. All goers

Good for LJU - those are the effects of EasyJet and Adria's stronger winter network. Unfortunately, for S17 Adria is reducing # of flights, and besides Transavia, there are no other new routes coming (as of yet). So, no LJU will definitely not be progressing throughout the rest of the year as peachy as it's progressing at the moment. LJU will be lucky to reach 1,55 mil pax - which is still way below 1,67 mil record from 2008.

Anon @10.47I don't see your point comparing LJU numbers with ZAG numbers.If your point is that ZAG increased by 1% only, then you should present that in February 2016 ZAG had 2,814 flights and in Feabruary 2017 had 2,517 flights, down 244 from 2016.Despite of less number of flights ZAG maintainted growth by 1% on Month-over-Month basis.If you compare 2017 YTD numbers comparing 2016 YTD numbers, the number of fligts in 2017 is down 324.Based on less numer of flights ZAG has increased number of pax by 13,281 for first two months of 2017.When you provide data then provide all facts, otherwise the numbers are out of context and could be missinterpeted.

Whichever way you look at it, such analytically powered yet inaccurate comments are agenda driven. someone to proactively keep record or dig out point by point, even when factually incorrect, is driven by hate/dislike of some sort.

JFK was reduced so much that price of A330 leasing per flight + cost of crew, insurance, airport... are enormous. To use plane JUST 3 times pw means there is no demand, and they cut frequencies to make smaller minus than to fly that route with maximum utilization.

Frankly, the main player to bring more long-haul traffic to BEG should be JU. Unfortunately, JU is not able to focus towards that direction, due to deep crises shaking EY partners group and management crisis in the airline itself.

JU was stagnating during the last couple of years, mostly as a consequence of a deep internal crises in Belgrade headquarters and external crisis in Abu Dhabi.

BEG-JFK route is not performing as initially planed, and many adjustments need to be done, including to pricing and service. EK puts additional direct competition to the route with the launch of ATH-EWR direct flights in two days.

Soon it will become clear that JU needs to change its business approach in order to grow. Stronger focus to the long-haul could be one avenue of the new strategy, such is in the case of AB, to name one example in EY group.

If, for example, EY would fly once per day to BEG with wide-body instead of existing two flights with narrow-body, with a ideal connection to JU's flight BEG-YYZ, that could secure stability for next new route to North America. It's just one, and maybe the most obvious, of many possibilities. However, the new strategy can't be developed and implemented with the old management that failed in so many aspects of leading the business. (Note: This is not a hater's comment, but an opinion based on facts)

There was some recent story that the two daily Abu Dhabi flights will be amalgamated into one, with a wider EY capacity plane. Let's see how that turns out to be. If Emirates are really planning to introduce a wide body to BEG at the end of Oct, then such decision might need to be fast tracked.

I keep saying the same thing for years, even before Air Serbia started. Back in 2013 I presented Mr. Kondić with a concrete route map focusing on medium haul, central Asia and long-haul, regional focus being outside Ex-Yu. Out of all destinations proposed the only ones launched were BEY and VCE later this year. There is no bread in European short-haul, even less so in the nostalgia of a failed former state.

JU seems to be slow in finalising its schedules and Im sure that also affects its loads, along with the seasonality of its frequencies.

I made a comment some time ago that JU could of reduced JFK to 3 p/w making room for PEK 2 p/w this season. Plan was for a second A330 to join the fleet which could of been used to bring back JFK to 5 p/w and open a third destination (ORD or YYZ at 2 p/w). This way there is a maximum utilisation of the widebody fleet.

However, a regional jet needs to enter the fleet, and with AZ looking to off load its ERJ's I think its a great way to get capcity and crew quickly. Perfect aircraft for HAM, PRG, VCE, WAW, MLA, MXP. ATR capacity could open something in Romania, or bring up SJJ by a couple of weekly flights in the late afternoon outside of their 'normal' wave. A319 could be sent to the Middle East where the loads and yields are better.

If EY took over the JU AUH flight, it would leave a far too long ground time in BEG, that is if the timetable isnt adjusted. JU could use the aircraft for another Euro rotation or 2 in the mean time, however some countries previously denied JU using Emirati registered aircraft back when they had 2 A319's with Emirati registation (A6-SAA and SAB).

Besides Iran, China or CIS countries, I do not see any real potential long-haul destinations. You can already hop via AUH, FRA/MUC, DOH and/or AMS/CDG to America.Serbia needs to cover Latin America by launching MAD or BCN!

Hate to break it to you, but you live in the nineties. You can now purchase granular style/luxury in agile markets. Priority security or check-in lines, lounge access, extra legroom and more all available a la carte, without business class ticket.

Flights from all over Europe to Bangkok are full all year round except during the summer season. Air Serbia could certainly fill up their plane from European connecting flights with competitive prrices.

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